BAY MINETTE – They are only a couple of inches tall, but the new plastic speed bumps are making a difference in Bay Minette.

Not only are cars slowing down, they are avoiding the area.

“The people of Moran Ave. have asked for speed bumps for a number of years,” said Chris Norman, who represents the area on the City Council. “When the road was repaved a number of years ago, the speed bumps that were there, were not replaced.”

The combination of a long straight road and no speed controls led to increased traffic, moving through the residential neighborhood at speeds that worried residents.

“Since the new speed bumps have been in place, the residents are telling me that the speeds have definitely slowed down,” said Norman. “They are also saying the number of cars has decreased. Cars seem to be avoiding the area because of the speed bumps.

“They’ve been a good thing and the residents of that neighborhood think they are great.”

The police department hasn’t heard much either pro or con from the residents along Moran. But they have heard from other areas.

“The only way we get feedback is from citizen complaints,” said Capt. James Eissler of the Bay Minette Police Department. “We haven’t heard from that neighborhood. What we have seen is an increase in the number of people who want speed bumps in their neighborhood.

“It’s understandable. Speed bumps are very efficient in slowing down traffic.”

The new speed bumps are made from recycled plastic. The plastic strips have steep inclines on both sides, causing a definite jolt to any vehicle that doesn’t slow down. Unlike the large asphalt speed bumps the city once used, the plastic models are low enough that they will not damage the underside of cars.

The units have the added benefit that they are temporary. The bright yellow strips are attached to the street with large spikes. When their job is done on Moran, they can be removed and installed in another area. And even after being removed, they still work to slow traffic.

“They are very effective even when they are taken down,” said Eissler.

“People will get in a habit of slowing down for the speed bumps and keep going slow, even after they are removed,” said Norman.